EMDR & Dissociation: Working with Parts Through The Meeting Place (LIVE, VIRTUAL)
Date:
May 08 - 09, 2025
EMDR Therapists often struggle to identify and treat dissociation when working with clients who have complex trauma histories. This live webinar will discuss evidenced-based interventions EMDR Therapists can utilize when treating trauma with clients who experience dissociation. This training will provide an immersive learning experience through observation and practicing the “Meeting Place.”
Day One will focus on the trauma response of dissociation within the framework of Polyvagal theory; assessing for dissociative symptoms; treating dissociation using parts work - specifically the “Meeting Place” exercise; and adjustments to the standard eight phases of the EMDR process. Day one will provide extensive step-by-step instruction on how to use the “Meeting Place.”
Day Two will provide immersive learning experiences using the “Meeting Place.” First, the presenters will demonstrate use of the meeting place in real time in the role of the “therapist” with a volunteer participant in the role of “client.” Participants will then engage in small group practicums, rotating through the role of “client,” “observer,” and “therapist.” Day two will wrap up with focusing on areas of potential challenges when incorporating parts work with EMDR for dissociative clients; clinical interventions to implement during each phase of EMDR to address dissociation; and lastly strategies for therapist self care.
Day One Highlights:
Day 1 (May 8, 2025 @ 10am-3:30pm EST on zoom)
- Overview of Window of Tolerance, Polyvagal Theory & Dissociation
- Screening & assessing for dissociative symptoms
- Treatment of dissociation + video examples of parts
- Live demonstration: Strengthening with BLS
- Pacing, progress, attunement & curiosity with parts
- Step-by-step instruction of The Meeting Place
- Script practice, clinical challenges, and real case examples
Day Two Highlights:
Day 2 (May 8, 2025 @ 10am-3:30pm EST on zoom)
- Grounding into practice with a calming exercise
- Live demo of The Meeting Place with a participant volunteer
- Debriefing & group learning from the live session
- Practicum: Triad breakout groups to rotate through therapist, client, and observer roles—with instructor support and feedback
- Integrating The Meeting Place with parts work and adjusting it across EMDR’s eight phases
- Focus on therapist self-care and sustainable practice